Gujarat polls: Narendra Modi thanks people, promises to work harder

Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi after winning Gujarat assembly elections on Thursday tweeted to his followers and said, "I thank all those who voted for us & promise those who have not voted for us that we will work harder to get your vote next time! I would like to thank the 6 crore people of Gujarat & the Almighty for giving us an opportunity to serve the people in the years to come."

The BJP leader scripted history, winning the Gujarat assembly elections for the fifth time in a row. The results were also a referendum on Modi, who not only led the party to a massive victory but also scored a hat-trick of electoral wins even though it fell one seat short of the 2007 tally. While the BJP won 116 seats, the Congress managed to win 60 seats. Keshubhai Patel's GPP failed to make a mark winning two seats, and the others won four seats.

The Gujarat Chief Minister won from the Maninagar constituency against Congress candidate and IPS officer Sanjiv Bhatt's wife Shweta Bhatt by over 86,000 votes. The BJP strongman expressed his happiness over the win, saying it was time to move forward instead of looking behind. He posted a tweet, saying, "No need of looking behind ...FORWARD...We want infinite energy, infinite courage, infinite patience..."

The BJP leader scripted history, winning the Gujarat assembly elections for the fifth time in a row.

Thanking the people of Gujarat for their immense support, Modi also wrote, "Gujarat has written a new chapter with a new language in the annals of Indian politics - one that rewards unity, harmony &Vikas!"

The impressive win by Narendra Modi also sparked fresh debates over him being the Prime Minister candidate of the BJP in the 2014 General Elections. While the party officially refused to make any statement in this regard, there were strong voices from within the party batting for the Gujarat strongman's elevation to New Delhi.

Modi also wrote, "Gujarat has won! This is a victory of People, Party and Performance. Sharing thoughts on my blog on this historic win. It's a victory of Gujarat's model of Sarvasparshi (all pervasive), Sarvasamaveshak (inclusive) & Sarvangi (holistic) Vikas! This is not just a victory of Guj, but also a message to everyone that development & good governance triumph over divide & rule politics."